I was pleased to be able to contribute by proposing the Earthquake Engineering project for the Y6 pupils. Although inexpensive with its use of mini marshmallows and toothpicks it was very realistic involving team work, design, build and test phases. In the course of improving their designs they learned about the strength of triangles in structural design and their resistance to vibration damage. The final designs were extremely sophisticated and very strong. It was inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and creativity of such young pupils.

— Clive Catlin, Hawker Siddeley, Rolls Royce, British Gas

"It was inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and creativity of such young pupils." — Clive Catlin

"The students have made me think about my subject from a new angle—as students tend to do!" — Dr Stuart Walker

Over the Spring Term I have been working with two classes of Year 5 students and their teachers at St Catherine's. It has been a really enjoyable and rewarding experience. The students have been great and have made me think about my subject from a new angle—as students tend to do! The school is a lovely inspiring place and the teachers and staff made the project very easy and enjoyable from my point-of-view. I would not hesitate to be involved in another STEM project in future, and will do so when time allows.

— Dr Stuart Walker, Post-doctoral Research Associate, Dynamics Research Group at the University of Sheffield

I really enjoyed all my interactions with St Catherine's through the "Who Wants to be an Engineer" project, what a great idea! The highlight had to be seeing the children's faces light up when I returned to the school to see how they were getting on, and the noise and excitement from the "column load test". The school came across as a very forward-thinking school that really gives their children the best possible start in life.

— Robert Cundill, Henry Boot

"The school came across as a very forward-thinking school that really gives their children the best possible start in life." — Robert Cundill

"I was really impressed with not just their enthusiasm, but the obvious learning that had gone on and knowledge they displayed." — Jonathan Bridge

I came in to see the children on Friday and was really impressed with not just their enthusiasm, but the obvious learning that had gone on and knowledge they displayed: talking about the details of their parachute experiments and the principles of pulleys and triangular structural forms. I'd be delighted to work with St Catherine's again within the STEM Ambassador scheme, please do get in touch if you think I could be useful.

— Jonathan Bridge, Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography